Motorcycle jeans: the ultimate buying guide

Whether you're commuting to work, cruising to the seaside or criss-crossing the country, having the right bike gear is crucial. Motorcycle jeans are now staple kit for riders who want comfort, safety and style in one easy, modern piece. Hi-tech fabrics and armours create great-fitting jeans that are virtually indestructible – they aim to minimise impact in a fall and save your skin when sliding along the tarmac. Their popularity means there is a dizzying array of designs on the market right now. But how can you sort the good from the bad, and the basic from the best? And how do you pick the perfect pair for you? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about motorcycle jeans, from understanding safety ratings and the role of armour, to choosing the right fit and keeping them in great condition once you've bought them.

AAA-rated motorcycle jeans

A (very) short history of motorcycle jeans

The invention of Kevlar®-lined jeans back in the 1990s revolutionised motorcycle gear, creating a genuine alternative to leather trousers that provided abrasion resistance while looking cool. 

Kevlar®, which was invented in 1965, has a high tensile strength that makes it ideal for resisting cuts, tears and abrasions—crucial attributes for motorcycle gear. It is also lightweight and flexible. Typically, the Kevlar® used in these first protective jeans was woven into a fabric lining that was added to the knees, hips and seat— the critical areas most likely to endure abrasion and road rash in an accident. These patches of lining acted as an invisible shield. At the same time, pockets to accommodate impact-absorbing hip and knee armour (usually constructed from plastics and foam) were sewn in, meaning that armour could be removed when not riding. The result was protective motorcycle jeans that were more versatile, comfortable and easier to wear than anything that had gone before, enabling riders to transition seamlessly between riding and everything else.

Over the past 30 years, the technology has developed fast, with manufacturers exploring blends of Kevlar® and other high-performance fibres, then experimenting with single-layer protective jeans, where protective fibres are woven into the denim outer fabric. These are popular with most riders, who find them more comfortable and less bulky than lined jeans; they also look exactly like regular jeans. Meanwhile, armour is also getting lighter, cooler and more effective all the time. Check out what businesses such as Rheon Labs are up to - their energy-absorbing polymer is soft, flexible and pliable, but stiffens under force (for example, on sudden impact with a hard surface).

Why wear protective (CE-rated) motorcycle jeans?  

The question is: why wouldn't you? High quality bike jeans are just your favourite jeans but better - they'll help protect you in the event of an accident, and what could be more important than that? The key benefits are:

Abrasion and heat resistance: Regular denim will quickly tear and shred on impact, leaving your skin exposed to serious injuries. Denim woven with technologically advanced materials like Kevlar® or Cordura is resistant to abrasion and is far more likely to stay intact, helping protect your skin from road rash during a fall or skid.  The materials used in these jeans are often more resistant to heat generated by friction during a slide, providing an extra layer of safety.

Impact protection: High quality motorcycle jeans come with removable armour as standard. This armour absorbs and disperses the energy from impacts, reducing the risk of fractures or bruising.

Durable construction with triple-stitched seam reinforcements: Critical seams often bear the brunt of an accident. Reinforced stitching with heavy-duty thread provides added strength and tear resistance where it's needed most.

Fit and coverage: They are designed to stay in place in the event of you coming off your motorcycle. Look out for jeans that attach to upper layers of protective clothing using, for example, zips and connecting belt loops, so that your skin is not left exposed.

Style and comfort: Motorcycle jeans look and feel better than ever before. You no longer have to compromise on looking good while staying safe on the bike.

Remember - motorcycle jeans are not all the same. Check the jeans' CE safety rating to assess the level of protection before purchasing. 

An expert perspective

Ian Wilson started out as a bike courier in the 1980s and is now CEO of Roadskin motorcycle clothing. Inspired by his decades of experience in the motorcycle industry, Ian is on a personal mission to keep his fellow bikers safe. 

"I started riding motorbikes when I was a kid, and at about 21, I became a courier in London. At that time, the courier industry was absolute carnage. We didn't really have safety stuff. The bikes weren't that safe, the tyres weren't good, the brakes didn't always work properly. It was really bad. There were loads of accidents, and sadly I lost quite a few mates. We'd get called on the radio in the middle of jobs to go and help people smashed up by the side of the road, and try and get them back up on their feet again. It was horrible. That's how I came to understand all aspects of motorcycle safety. 

"In the old days (still to this day, actually), 40 to 50% of couriers wore jeans and a leather jacket. So, with the advent of Kevlar® jeans in the 90s, all of a sudden they've got a pair of jeans that they can still look cool in and don't require any effort, but that will also protect them.

"After 10 years or so, I'd had enough of couriering, and I got into selling motorcycle clothing. I came across Draggin Jeans [an Australian company that was one of the brands to pioneer protective motorcycle jeans]. I was so enthused about Kevlar®-lined jeans that I managed to take over the stewardship of Draggin - and I took them from being a not very well known jean brand to being one of the biggest in the UK. I was the first official distributor of Draggin Jeans in the UK. That's where my love of Kevlar®-lined jeans came from. 

"Years later, I lost Draggin Jeans to a bigger distributor, but this company distributed 100 different products and wasn't passionate about the jeans in the same way that I was. Quite a few manufacturers asked me to distribute their stuff, but I was always picky. Some companies, all they wanted to do was make money. For me, safety is non-negotiable. 

One of the stories that has stayed with me - in fact, one of the conversations that has shaped Roadskin jeans - was with a guy I met at a bike show six or seven years ago. As he was buying his jeans, he asked me, "What do you do about skin shear?" Turns out, he was a surgeon at one of the big London hospitals, and sadly he dealt with a lot of motorcycle accidents in the capital. He said, "In about 20% of all accidents, what happens is, when you land on the ground, you're obviously hitting a road that is not moving, and when you start sliding, the jean material can stick to your skin and pull it away - it can peel the skin off your body."

He went on to explain that it was actually one of the most challenging things to deal with. Broken bones and so on, surgeons can repair - they are very good at it now - but skin shear and skin damage is very difficult to deal with. If skin grafts fail, there’s a risk of sepsis, which can lead to losing a limb by amputation. It’s not something most people consider.

Then he said, "What you can do is, if you put another piece of thin material under the jean, it will create a little bit of give, and prevent the skin tearing." And that is why we now put a very fine mesh layer under the protective denim in our motorcycle jeans. It's a relatively recent thing that came out of that one conversation.  The difference in cost is not much - just four or five pounds - but if it saves someone's leg, it's worth every penny. 

"I've been in the industry 25 years, so I've learnt from all these things. All my knowledge has been poured into Roadskin jeans. Most companies look to save money for their bottom line, but not us. We put riders' safety first. We will always spend the extra on providing level 2 armour rather than level 1 armour.  We will always absorb increasing costs whenever we can. We put customers first, and we do it consistently." 

Understanding CE standards for motorcycle clothing 

Since 21 April 2018, all motorcycle clothing has to be certified as PPE or Personal Protective Equipment by law.* 'CE' stands for Conformité Européenne, which translates as 'European Conformity'. It is a certification mark that indicates a product complies with the European Union's health, safety and environmental protection standards. For PPE, the CE marking ensures that the product meets specific requirements to protect users against various risks, including impact and abrasion. The CE marking is not just about complying with legal standards - it's about giving riders reassurance that their gear has been tested to protect them in critical scenarios.

All CE-certified motorcycle gear undergoes rigorous testing, including:

  • Abrasion tests: Simulating road contact at high speeds.
  • Impact tests: Measuring energy absorption and dispersion during crashes.
  • Tear resistance: Testing material durability under stress.

CE ratings indicate the level of protection offered by motorcycle clothing. Here's a quick breakdown:

Important: anything rated at a B will not feature armour, and a C indicates even less protection. Both should be avoided. 

Motorcycle armour, which protects joints such as knees and elbows from impact, are rated differently, as follows:

  • CE Level 1 armour: Offers basic protection, often lighter and thinner, suitable for casual or commuter riders.
  • CE Level 2 armour: Provides higher impact resistance. This grade of armour is ideal for sport and touring riders seeking maximum safety.

A key point when shopping for motorcycle jeans is to check that the brand is displaying its Declaration of Conformity. You should be able to see conformity certificates for each individual item.  If this is missing, steer clear. 

CE Level 2 rated motorcycle armour

Paul Varnsverry, a respected expert in motorcycle protective clothing and advisor to Roadskin, stresses the importance of these certifications to ensure your gear meets protective standards. Paul has launched a petition titled 'Implement a strategy to protect motorcyclists from imports of unsafe clothing.' The campaign aims to address the issue of uncertified and potentially dangerous motorcycle gear being imported into the UK and sold online. Paul highlights that some vendors bypass safety checks and sell gear with fraudulent CE markings, posing risks to riders. The petition calls for government action, including stricter customs checks on imports from countries known for non-conforming products. It also advocates for the destruction of unsafe gear and refunds for consumers who unknowingly purchase such items.

Key features to look for in protective motorbike jeans 

Armed with this knowledge, here are some tips on choosing the right bike jeans for you. Your motorcycle jeans should do more than look great—they need to suit your riding style and ensure long-lasting comfort.  

Materials and construction

Technologically advanced fabrics prevent road rash and abrasion in case of impact and slides. 

You can buy layered bike jeans, or single-layer jeans. Single-layer motorcycle jeans are made with one layer of protective material, meaning they are more lightweight and comfortable compared to layered jeans. Another advantage of single-layer jeans is that they generally look just like regular jeans, meaning you don't have to compromise on style while ensuring your safety on the road. Layered motorcycle jeans tend to be warmer and thicker than single-layer jeans. They can be a good option in colder weather.

Other points to consider:

Some motorcycle jeans come with a super-light mesh lining, so your skin doesn't get caught on the inside of the jean. This creates an additional safeguard against skin tearing in an accident. Jeans containing elastane or Lycra will give your jeans stretch, making them super-comfortable on the bike, and meaning that they will ease over the vast majority motorcycle boots.  Carefully check the safety ratings so that you know the rating for the finished garment - not just the fabric component. The overall rating will also factor in the stitching and seam strength. 

Comfort  

Motorcycle jeans are lighter than leather motorcycle trousers, but some motorcycle jeans are lighter than others. Layered jeans come into their own in winter or in cold climates, but most of the year you'll be fine in single-layer jeans. For warmer-weather riding, look for jeans designed with ventilation or natural breathability to stay comfortable on longer journeys.   When trying them on, think about ease of movement and ensure your jeans accommodate your usual riding position - for example, whether you ride a cruiser or a sport bike. In particular, look out for a stretchy waistband that will stay in place and keep you covered, riding or not. Beware motorcycle jeans that feel stiff.  Fit is vital. Ill-fitting jeans will be uncomfortable and reduce protective coverage. Decent jean brands will offer a wide range of sizes and leg lengths, and publish a size chart and video guide. Especially if you are buying online without trying on first, ensure there is an easy returns policy.

Style and cut 

Seek out motorcycle jeans that are cut slightly longer than your usual jeans. Motorcycle jeans should fit comfortably over your boots. Most bike jeans will come in several lengths. A well designed pair of bike jeans will be the right degree of 'snug' so that armour remains in place if you are unlucky enough to come off your bike - not just on the first impact, but on the second and subsequent impacts. Jeans cut with a high waist will reduce the chances of draughts and being exposed around the tummy. 

Armour 

Check that armour is included, or factor in buying your own on top. Always choose CE Level 2 armour over Level 1 - the small extra cost is well worth it for the additional protection and peace of mind that comes with the superior product, especially if you're riding on fast, busy roads. Modern Level 2 armour is effective at absorbing impact without being bulky.

Caring for your motorcycle jeans  

Looking after motorcycle jeans is actually pretty straightforward.

How do I wash armoured motorbike jeans?

DO:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s washing and care instructions.
  • Remove all armour and any removable layers (wash these separately).
  • Fasten up all the zips and buttons to avoid damaging the fabric.
  • Turn the jeans inside out to maintain the colour and help protect the outer fibres.

We recommend washing motorcycle jeans by hand. We also recognise that this is a hassle and so, generally speaking, bike jeans can be washed gently at a low temperature (30°) in the washing machine, on a short cycle, using normal detergent (bio or non-bio is fine). Just check that the detergent does not contain bleach – it will destroy the Kevlar® fibres.

Air dry flat to help keep the shape and maintain the material's integrity. Hang them away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fade and UV damage to the aramid fibres.

DON’T:

  • Use fabric conditioner.
  • Dry clean, as the chemicals will damage your jeans.
  • Wash them more often than you need – they will last longer. 
  • Iron your jeans, to prevent heat damage.
  • Tumble dry – but, if you must, make it short and cool. If you’re wearing and washing your bike jeans frequently, it’s better to have a couple of pairs you can wear on rotation.

How do I wash my bike armour?

Wipe clean with a solution of multipurpose cleaner such as Flash.

And finally…

We always advise our customers to avoid wearing their favourite bike jeans in a workshop environment. Oil stains are difficult to remove (try a bio detergent), but battery acid and other corrosive materials will destroy your jeans.

Motorcycle jeans FAQs 

Are motorcycle jeans waterproof?  

Not all motorcycle jeans are waterproof. Some models, however, may offer water-resistant finishes. Always check the product specifications if you’re planning to ride in wet conditions.  

Can I buy motorcycle jeans in different colours and styles?

Motorcycle jeans come in a variety of colours and styles. Indigo blue, grey, khaki and black denim are the most commonly available colours. Styles include slim-fit, straight-leg and cargo. 

What about motorcycle jeans for women?

While there isn't as much choice as there is for men, there is an increasing number of women's bike jeans on the market. The best are designed to fit curves, with narrower waists and wider hips, while armour placement is adjusted for women's proportions to ensure proper coverage without compromising comfort. Features like a high-rise waist or stretch panels can create snug, flattering fits. Women also get a wider variety of styles to choose from, including skinny-fit, bootcut and jeggings.

Can I wear them for everyday use?  

Absolutely! Modern motorcycle jeans are designed to look and feel like regular denim. Ideally, they're just like wearing your favourite jeans. 

Do I need to wash my bike jeans?

We have all heard about the denim aficionados who are reluctant to wash their jeans, but motorcycle jeans are different. Not washing them means that they will inevitably degrade over time, thanks to grime, grease and sweat. Especially in hot weather, lined jeans will feel hotter and stickier than single-layer jeans, so are likely to need more frequent washing. See above for washing tips.

Do I really need to wear armour with my jeans?  

Don't be tempted to to ride your bike without armour - the best fabric in the world won't cushion you from impact. Armour is integral to protecting your joints and bones. 

We hope you've found this guide to motorcycle jeans helpful. If you need any advice on choosing motorcycle jeans, we'd be happy to hear from you here.

*Motorcyclists’ clothing, gloves and footwear and The Personal Protective Equipment Regulation 2016/425 – BSIF Information from the British Safety Industry Federation